Construction continues at the Atlantic City Aquarium.
Atlantic City’s mayor announced more improvements to Gardner’s Basin as the long-awaited aquarium reopening was again pushed off.
Piecing together funding along with supply chain issues have contributed to the delay of the basin’s centerpiece, explained Uzo Ahiarakwe, the city’s engineer.
The decision also was made to upgrade the building’s exterior as well, Mayor Marty Small explained as construction continued behind him during a news conference Monday.
“We didn’t want to open that building looking the same exterior when the (interior) improvements were done,” he said.
The opening now is expected sometime in December.
Gardner’s Basin continues to be a work in progress, with recent work including pier and piling replacement, dredging, new lighting and signage, parking and sidewalk improvements, and new EV charging stations.
But the mayor’s big announcement was a $1.4 million grant that will allow demolition of the long-closed bathrooms at the Seawall, and construction of a new comfort station.
The long-closed bathroom at the Seawall.“The Seawall is a staple of the Atlantic City community,” Small said.
It’s also improving, he said, after some issues with noise and police calls.
The mayor recalled how he sat in a lawn chair and had a beer with those gathered there to talk about the issues.
The improvement has been seen, residents made a point to tell BreakingAC after the news conference.
“It’s a huge improvement,” said Gail Karslow.
Meanwhile, the aquarium staff is excited about the improvements happening both inside and outside of the building.
The second floor will have more touch tanks.
“They’re going to be really exciting,” said Sarita Stroud.
The additions will welcome the “hundreds” of school trips expected to return once the doors open.
“We hope to get back exactly where we were when we reopen,” said Lisa Schall.
Admission previously was $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for children and free to those 3 and younger. It is not determined how much the new costs will be.
The aquarium's exterior before work started.
